Gov’t withdraws MPs travel privileges

Government has withdrawn all travel privileges to Members of Parliament.

This means MPs will now have to make their own arrangements when they are on official duties abroad.

A letter signed by the Director of Protocol, addressed to Parliament and sighted by Joy News said Ghanaian Embassies abroad will no longer offer MPs anf other public officials the diplomatic services they have been enjoying since the inception of constitutional rule.

He said members will resist its implementation. Per the letter signed by the protocol director, only the leadership of Parliament would be granted such privileges but Kwasi Bandoah said that is not acceptable.

“We felt that it is not fair that other MPs who travelled on official duties will be denied protocol services.

“That will hamper the effective performance of our duties,” he stated.

He said the decision was taken as a result of the cost implications involved.

Former Ghana ambassador to the United Kingdom Isaac Osei who is now the ranking member on the Foreign Affairs committee believes the letter is flawed and must be rejected.

The Foreign Affairs ministry has declined comment on the matter.

Joy News understands that the ministry will hold a meeting with Parliament this week to discuss the issues.